Most of it began when young people started throwing firecrackers onto cars from the elevated walkway over a passing boulevard.

"Someone in the crowd threw firecrackers and startled the horse," said Sergeant Burns.

All around us these 18 and 19 year old loonies were throwing firecrackers and garbage at the mounted police.

People held up their children to see the evil mage; other children threw firecrackers at the waves.

Counter demonstrators clashed with the police, throwing bricks, bottles and firecrackers.

They threw firecrackers, and they enjoyed many fistfights in the stands.

But these days everyone seems to be throwing firecrackers, said Charles Lane, the magazine's editor since September 1997.

Close behind them are the fallers, throwing large firecrackers in the street as they go.

Her special attacks include throwing spatulas and firecrackers.

Outside, speakers pumped out cheerful hymns from the congregation, while children ran around throwing firecrackers.